Field Notes

Why Does My Horse Keep Tripping? Causes, Warning Signs and What to Do
One stumble may mean very little. The ground was uneven. The horse was distracted. A toe caught at exactly the wrong moment. But a horse who keeps tripping is giving you information. Perhaps it happens only under saddle. Only downhill. Only near the end of a ride. Perhaps the same toe drags, one hoof wears differently, or the horse has recently begun stumbling more often. The horse may still appear sound. They may still perform well. They may have “always done it.” None of those facts explains why it is... Read more...
Perhaps “Fine” Is No Longer a Good Enough Standard
Perhaps “Fine” Is No Longer a Good Enough Standard There is a moment many horse people know well. You notice something, but it feels small enough that saying it out loud almost feels silly. Maybe it is the dry patch that appears beneath the saddle after every ride. The tongue that never stops moving. The horse who steps away from the mounting block, has to be dragged toward the arena, or suddenly feels rough when you change diagonals. Maybe they have always hated the girth. They will not let anyone... Read more...
21 Things Burning Out Equine Owners
Equine owners are not burning out because they do not love their horses enough. Many are burning out because caring deeply has become an exhausting combination of responsibility, uncertainty, expense, conflicting advice, and the constant fear of missing something important. They are expected to advocate without overreacting. Trust professionals without becoming passive. Spend wisely without cutting corners. Keep horses comfortable, sound, fit, happy, and performing—often without ever receiving a clear answer about what is actually wrong. The emotional weight of horse ownership is rarely acknowledged. But it is real. 1.... Read more...
21 Trends Burning Out Equine Bodyworkers
Equine bodyworkers are not burning out because they do not love the work. They are burning out because the industry increasingly expects them to identify complex problems, produce visible change, accommodate everyone, remain endlessly available—and avoid saying anything that makes the rest of the horse’s care team uncomfortable. The work is physical. The emotional load is heavier. And many of the current expectations are not sustainable. 1. Expecting Bodywork to Fix What Management Keeps Recreating A horse is treated, improves, then returns to the same workload, saddle, footing, turnout limitations,... Read more...
We Are Not Asking You to Believe Us. We Are Asking You to Look.
We Are Not Asking You to Believe Us. We Are Asking You to Look.
Horse people are used to strong opinions. Use this bit. Never use that one. Inject the joint. Do not inject the joint. Ride the horse forward. Stop riding. Strengthen the... Read more...